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Increased hydration may improve dry eye symptoms
BOSTON – Increasing intake of liquids was found to be related to tear osmolarity level and tear break-up time after 7 days, according to a study presented here at Optometry’s Meeting.
Twenty subjects from the desert population of Arizona were considered symptomatic of dry eye as defined by the Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ). Kahn and colleagues from the Midwestern University Arizona College of Optometry evaluated the subjects at baseline with tear osmolarity, tear volume, anterior segment exam with photos and sodium fluorescein staining, and tear break-up time (TBUT). Their systemic hydration was also determined by plasma osmolality.
The subjects were then divided into two groups, and half of each group was determined to have dry eye based on tear osmolarity. One group was instructed to hydrate therapeutically as determined by their weight, and the other group hydrated habitually, according to the poster.
After 1 week, the subjects were evaluated again.
“The amount of liquid consumed comparing baseline volume to average daily intake over a 1-week period was related to the tear osmolarity and the TBUT,” the researchers reported.
The volume of liquid consumed was not related to plasma osmolality, but there was a slight decrease in DEQ scores in the therapeutic group that was not statistically significant. The researchers said this deserved further clinical investigation.
They concluded: “Subjects get multiple ocular benefits from increased hydration;” however, symptoms did not significantly improve. More subjects and a longer course of study are needed. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO
Reference:
Khan C, et al. Therapeutic effects of increased hydration for plasma osmolality, tear osmolarity and tear stability in dry eye patients. Presented at: Optometry’s Meeting; June 29-July 2, 2016; Boston.
Disclosure: No products were mentioned that would necessitate financial disclosure.